![- 3 medium zucchinis (spiralized) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) - 1/2 cup bell peppers (diced) - 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted) - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic (minced) - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste) - Juice of 1 lemon I love choosing fresh ingredients for my Pesto Zoodle Salad. The zucchinis become long, curly noodles when you spiralize them. They are light and perfect for summer. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet bite. Use any color bell peppers for a pop of color. I enjoy the crunch of red onions. Fresh basil gives that classic pesto flavor. Pine nuts add a rich, nutty taste. You can swap grated parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast if you prefer a vegan option. Extra virgin olive oil makes the pesto creamy and smooth. The garlic gives a punch of flavor, while lemon juice brightens the dish. Don’t forget the sea salt and black pepper for seasoning. - Spiralizer - Food processor - Mixing bowl You will need a spiralizer to create the zoodles. A food processor helps blend the pesto quickly. A mixing bowl is essential for combining all the delicious ingredients. The caloric content per serving varies based on the ingredients used. On average, this salad packs around 200 calories per serving. The macronutrient breakdown is roughly 15g of fat, 8g of carbs, and 5g of protein. This makes it a light and healthy dish. You can find the full recipe for the Pesto Zoodle Salad above. Enjoy making this fresh and healthy meal! To make the pesto, you'll need: - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted) - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) - 2 cloves garlic (minced) - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - Juice of 1 lemon Start by placing the basil, pine nuts, parmesan, and garlic in a food processor. Blend them until smooth. While blending, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is creamy. If you find it too thick, add more olive oil. Taste it, then adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. For spiralizing zucchini, use a spiralizer to create long, thin noodles called zoodles. Simply place the zucchini in the spiralizer and twist to form strands. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife. Just slice the zucchini into thin strips to mimic zoodles. In a large mixing bowl, combine the zoodles, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and thinly sliced red onion. Pour the vibrant pesto over this mix. Carefully toss all the ingredients with tongs until the zoodles are well coated. Letting the salad rest for about 10 minutes is key. This marinating time allows all the flavors to blend nicely. It makes each bite more tasty and refreshing. Enjoy your vibrant Pesto Zoodle Salad! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To boost the taste of your pesto zoodle salad, add fresh herbs like parsley or mint. These herbs brighten your dish. You can also adjust the garlic and lemon. If you love garlic, add more. For a zesty kick, squeeze in more lemon juice. Soggy zoodles can ruin your salad. To avoid this, salt the zoodles first. Let them sit for a few minutes, then pat them dry. This step helps remove excess moisture. For the pesto, if it's too thick, add more olive oil. This keeps it light and creamy. For a stunning presentation, serve your salad in a large bowl. This lets the colors shine. You can garnish it with extra basil leaves and lemon zest. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works well. These pair nicely with the fresh flavors of the salad. Don't forget to check the [Full Recipe] for more details and tips! {{image_4}} You can switch zoodles for other veggies. Carrots and cucumbers make great alternatives. They add crunch and color, too. If you want a vegan option, skip the cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. While pesto shines here, other dressings work well. Try a lemon vinaigrette for a bright taste. You can also use tahini or a simple olive oil and vinegar mix. Add spices like paprika or cumin to change the flavor. These can add warmth and depth. Seasonal veggies can enhance your salad. Think fresh corn, snap peas, or bell peppers. They add a burst of color and nutrition. You can also toss in fruits like diced peaches or berries. They bring sweetness to the mix, making every bite exciting. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for inspiration! Store your Pesto Zoodle Salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. Make sure you let it cool to room temperature before sealing. I recommend using glass containers. They do not hold odors and are easy to clean. The salad lasts in the fridge for about 3 days. After that, it may lose flavor and crispness. Signs of spoilage include a slimy texture or off smell. If you see these signs, it's best to toss it. You can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm it up, use a microwave. Heat it gently for about 30 seconds. Avoid reheating if you have added fresh veggies, as they can become mushy. A zucchini noodle salad, or zoodle salad, uses spiralized zucchinis as noodles. Zoodles are light and low in carbs. They are a great alternative to pasta. Zoodles help add more veggies to your meals while keeping the dish fresh and crunchy. Yes, you can make the pesto ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts about one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to leave some space in the container. The pesto will expand when frozen. Absolutely! This salad works well for meal prep. You can prepare the zoodles and pesto in advance. Keep them separate until you are ready to eat. This way, the zoodles stay fresh and do not get soggy. You can pack the salad in lunch boxes for easy grab-and-go meals. To make this recipe gluten-free, check all your ingredients. Ensure the pesto does not contain any gluten. Use gluten-free pasta or zoodles as a base. The other ingredients, like veggies and cheese, are naturally gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the salad worry-free. Freezing the Pesto Zoodle Salad is not ideal. The zoodles can become mushy after freezing. However, you can freeze the pesto alone. When ready to enjoy, just thaw the pesto and mix it with fresh zoodles and veggies. This keeps your salad fresh and tasty. For the full recipe, check the main section. Pesto Zoodle Salad is a fresh, tasty dish made from zoodles, tomatoes, peppers, and pesto. You learned how to prepare the pesto and combine all the ingredients for a delightful meal. Remember to store any leftovers properly for the best taste. Try out the flavor tips and variations to make the dish your own. This recipe is not only nutritious but also easy to adapt for different diets. Enjoy exploring your cooking skills with this vibrant salad!](https://dishtreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/8637ce27-f1ae-4e5b-b0b9-802b4b26ee84-300x300.webp)
Pesto Zoodle Salad
Discover the refreshing and vibrant Pesto Zoodle Salad recipe that will elevate your meals! This delightful dish features spiralized zucchini noodles mixed with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and a creamy homemade pesto, all tossed together for a burst of flavor. Perfect for a light lunch or a picnic treat. Click to explore this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy a healthy twist on pasta that is both delicious and visually stunning!